It seems like everyone is yapping about the fight. I wish I had earplugs so I could stop hearing all the gossip about my sister and Amber. Just as I’m stuffing an orange notebook into the already-bursting seams of my poor bag, Rollins appears. He leans on the locker next to mine. “Hey. I heard about your sister. That sucks.” I give him a cold look. There’s something about him ignoring me this morning and now trying to act all buddy-buddy with me that rubs me the wrong way. “So we’re friends now? Because I wasn’t sure after this morning . . .” “What are you talking about?” Rollins tries to look innocent. It’s infuriating. I feel like everything from the last couple of days is building up inside me, a crescendo of terror and anger and frustration. The need for release is so strong. I turn to face him. “Let’s review. You walk out on Friday night for no reason. When my sister’s best friend dies, you don’t call. You don’t text. Nothing. And now you’re avoiding me in the halls.
